Celebrating Culture and Diversity Through the Arts

July 16 2023September 26 2017 Brittany Marklin

Update: This contest has ended and the winners can be viewed here. Thank you to all who entered!

“An arts education helps build academic skills and increase academic performance, while also providing alternative opportunities to reward the skills of children who learn differently.”

—Gavin Newsom

There’s no doubt that arts in education is important, and that’s why K12 hosts an annual art contest that offers students a fun way to explore their creative side and an opportunity to be recognized for their talents!

Last year, students were challenged to illustrate what they want to be when they grow up. Some showed their artistic expressions with pencils, some with markers, some with photography, some with pixels. Students from around the country rose to the occasion and sent in amazing and inspirational illustrations of their future plans.

This year, the theme is “Celebrate Culture.” What do you think of when someone asks you about your family traditions? Do you picture the food you eat on special occasions? Do you imagine the customary dances you all perform? Do you think of the flag you fly proudly to represent the country that your family originated from? Do you see simple traditions like Friday game night or the jersey you wear on Sundays when it’s game time?

We’re all different, so let’s celebrate the wealth of culture and diversity we each bring to the table, and what we can learn from one another. Send us your student’s portrait, still life, action scene—whatever their art is, as long as it’s original!

Here are some important details to know about K12’s twelfth annual art contest:

It’s open to all students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
A first, second, and third place winner will be chosen for each grade, and they will receive a canvas of their submitted artwork, a plaque of recognition, and a sketch book.
A Best in Show winner will be chosen in addition to the grade level winners, and he or she will receive a canvas of the submitted artwork, a plaque of recognition, and a sketch book.
Each and every student who submits their creative expression of how they choose to celebrate culture will receive a certificate of participation.
All finalists’ work will be featured in an online gallery.
All submissions must be received by 5 PM (ET) Tuesday, October 31, via this online site.
Complete details and contest rules can be found here.

Need some inspiration? Visit:

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